Why regret Thread lift sets? Preventing 'Less change than expected' before deciding

Regrets about Thread lift center on the gap between expectations and reality: 'less change than expected' and 'effects returned sooner than anticipated.'[1][2]In a survey of 1,500 people in Japan, 3.4% returned for additional treatment due to insufficient results, with higher rates among older patients and those receiving more threads[1]. Complications such as dimple-like depressions are also important to understand before treatment[3].

When is regret most likely?

The most common case is when the result falls short of expectations[1]. Guidelines from Japan's Association of Plastic Surgeons explain that Thread lift can be expected to provide temporary improvement, but the effect is not dramatic and duration is limited[2].

Duration is often stated to be approximately one year[4]. However, there are significant individual differences in how long effects actually last[4]. A systematic review of research found no solid evidence demonstrating long-lasting effects[5]. If you undergo treatment thinking results will last for years, a gap in expectations is more likely to occur.

Does satisfaction change with age and number of threads?

It may vary. In the 1,500-person survey, people aged 43 and older and those receiving 11 or more threads reported more often that results were insufficient[1].

While more threads are commonly thought to produce larger effects, the results showed the opposite[1]. Researchers cited as reasons that patients with stronger sagging tend to receive more threads, expectations tend to increase with more threads, and excessive threads can lead to unnatural tightness or asymmetry[1]. They also noted that for such patients, volume-adding treatments or combination with surgical lifting may be more appropriate[1].

A survey paper of another 342 people states that those over 50 years old tend to experience increased complications and lower long-term satisfaction.[6]However, these are data from a specific clinic group and do not apply to everyone.[1][6].

What complications tend to lead to regret?

Swelling and bruising occur in many people, but usually subside with post-procedure care.[3]Complications more likely to cause regret include dimple-like indentations, uneven contours, and thread migration.[3].

Indentations tend to occur when threads are pulled too tightly or placed in the wrong position.[3]A manual reshaping procedure or correction with hyaluronic acid and similar agents may be performed.[3].

In the 342-person survey, 2.3% of people felt the thread when touching it with their finger, and 0.9% experienced temporary asymmetry.[6]An analysis combining multiple studies demonstrates the importance of distinguishing between symptoms that resolve quickly and serious complications that develop later.[7].

What should you consider to reduce complications?

Most complications arise from inadequate technique, poor patient selection, and insufficient understanding of facial structure.[3]Some experts believe that the choice of thread material matters less than identifying the right fit for each person and careful planning, which determine the outcome.[3].

The combined analysis also emphasizes that thorough explanation before the procedure and realistic discussion of the course and possibility of additional treatments are essential.[7]If you still have concerns after hearing the explanation, there is no need to decide right away.

What should you confirm during consultation before the procedure?

Whether a Thread lift is suitable depends on the degree of sagging and the magnitude of the desired change.[1]Based on an article alone, you cannot determine whether your sagging is manageable with threads or whether another treatment would be better.

During consultation, confirm whether threads are appropriate for your degree of sagging, which threads and how many will be used, how long the effect is likely to last, and what will be done if indentations or other issues occur.